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The Church Does Not Fall, July 31
In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob
will no more lean upon him that smote them, but will lean upon the Lord,
the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of
Jacob, to the mighty God.
Isaiah 10:20, 21
, R.S.V.
In vision I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners
bearing the world’s insignia; the other was led by the bloodstained banner of
Prince Immanuel. Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company
after company from the Lord’s army joined the foe and tribe after tribe from the
ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. An
angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standard of Immanuel into many hands,
while a mighty general cried out with a loud voice: “Come into line. Let those
who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take
their position. Come out from among them, and be ye separate.” ...
The battle raged. Victory alternated from side to side. Now the soldiers of
the cross gave way, “as when a standardbearer fainteth” (
Isaiah 10:18
). But their
apparent retreat was but to gain a more advantageous position. Shouts of joy were
heard. A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as
Christ’s soldiers planted His banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by the
enemy. The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle and sending support
to His soldiers. His power was mightily displayed, encouraging them to press the
battle to the gates. He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them
on step by step, conquering and to conquer.
At last the victory was gained. The army following the banner with the
inscription, “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” was gloriously
triumphant.—
Testimonies for the Church 8:41
.
There are many doctrines current in our world. There is many a religion
current that numbers its thousands and tens of thousands, but there is but one that
bears the superscription and the stamp of God. There is a religion of man and a
religion of God. We must have our souls riveted to the eternal Rock....
Satan will work his miracles to deceive; he will set up his power as supreme.
The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the
sinners in Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat.
This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place. None but those who
have been overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony
will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in
their mouths. We must be divested of our self-righteousness and arrayed in the
righteousness of Christ.—
Selected Messages 2:379, 380
.
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